Rochester police say robber pepper-sprayed victim

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Posted Jan. 18, 2013 at 8:45 AM
Updated Jan 18, 2013 at 5:40 PM

Posted Jan. 18, 2013 at 8:45 AM
Updated Jan 18, 2013 at 5:40 PM

ROCHESTER — Rochester police used cruisers and a K9 unit to set up a perimeter along Northcoast Road near Market Basket after reports came in Friday morning a man had been attacked by another with chemical mace.

Sgt. Todd Pinkham said police were closing down their perimeter around 9:30 a.m. approximately one hour after the incident was called in, and they had yet to apprehend a suspect. Pinkham said police are still investigating to confirm exactly what took place, though the man who was reportedly sprayed in the face with mace claimed he was robbed.

“We're working to confirm that,” Pinkham said, noting the injured man was cleaning himself up and changing his clothes after the attack.

Police were parked near the Silver Bell Mobile Home Park next to Market Basket. Pinkham said the incident occurred just outside the park on Northcoast Road. Police originally thought the man had fled on foot toward Alton though Pinkham said that was also unconfirmed at this time.

Police described the suspect as a white male in his early to mid twenties between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 with a medium build. The suspect had a neatly trimmed full beard and was wearing blue jeans, white sneakers, a blue New England Patriots sweatshirt and a blue New England Patriots hat with a pompom.

Rochester Police request that anyone with information about this incident call them at 330-7127. Information can also be called or texted to the automated Rochester Crimeline at 335-6500 or 274637, respectively. Tips leading to an arrest may result in a reward.